Empowering Voices focuses on the challenges and barriers to employment faced by Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals. My goal is to explore ways in how we can create accessible communication in the workplace. The central question guiding this project is: How can accessible communication improve workplace equity for DHH individuals?

Through online documentation, surveys, and collecting stories, I looked at barriers to employment, communication and accessibility challenges, workplace culture and inclusion, as well as lived experiences.

I created a set of resources that aim to raise awareness and provide practical tools for accessible communication. These include a booklet guide that combines research on DHH employment barriers, accessible communication practices, and resources to support more inclusive workplaces. The cards include accommodation suggestions and 20 basic ASL workplace signs. The interactive website is an alternative to the booklet and includes links to resources.

The project’s goal is to help bridge communication gaps between DHH individuals and the hearing community, and to serve as a guide that empowers voices.